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The neurons that shaped civilization - VS Ramachandran

139,345 Views

4,876 Questions Answered

TED Talk

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Neuroscientist Vilayanur Ramachandran outlines the fascinating functions of mirror neurons. Only recently discovered, these neurons allow us to learn complex social behaviors, some of which formed the foundations of human civilization as we know it.

Watch Think 5 Multiple Choice &
3 Open Answer Questions Dig Deeper Learn More

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If a mirror neuron fires in my brain when I watch someone else be touched, why don’t I actually feel the touch?

a

My brain prioritizes this sensory input lower than other incoming information, like this week’s Curtain Call Interview on American Idol

b

Receptors in my skin ‘cancel out’ the signal from the mirror neuron

c

My brain habituated to this when I was an infant, so it doesn’t prompt this response any longer

d

A slight delay in the neuron firing signals that this is happening to some else

e

Wait a minute… are you telling me you don’t feel it?

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